New: Public Hearings and Scoping Meetings Scheduled January 24 - February 2, 2012.  Hearings for golden tilefish, spiny lobster, golden crab, and scoping meetings for designation of MPAs, powerhead use, recreational tags for deepwater species, etc.  Public comment open until February 15, 2012. Read more

New!  Atlantic Group Spanish Mackerel Trip Limit Reduced for Commercial Vessels in Southern Zone, effective January 27, 2012.  See Fishery Bulletin

Reminder! Seasonal Closure for Shallow Water Grouper Species begins January 1, 2012  See Fishery Bulletin

New! New Regulations for Spiny Lobster in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic, effective January 3, 2012 See Fishery Bulletin

New!  NOAA Announces New Regulations for King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel and Cobia in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. Comment period on adjusted commercial quota for Spanish mackerel ends January 30, 2012.  See Fishery Bulletin 

New!  NOAA Fisheries Publishes Final Rule to Implement Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment 2  Regulations effective January 30, 2012  See Fishery Bulletin

Note: Proposed Changes to Regulations for Bycatch Reduction Devices in Shrimp Fisheries  Comment period ends February 8, 2012  See Fishery Bulletin

Note: NOAA Fisheries Service Seeks Public Comment on Snapper Grouper Amendment 20A (wreckfish)  Comment period ends March 12, 2012  See Fishery Bulletin

Fall 2011 South Atlantic Update Newsletter (PDF)

Download Single Page Updated Summaries of Recreational and Commercial Snapper Grouper Regulations

Note! NOAA Fisheries Announces Closure of the Recreational Black Sea Bass Fishery, effective October 17, 2011  Read Fishery Bulletin

Note: Adjustments to the 2011-2012 Recreational ACL for Black Sea Bass  See Fishery Bulletin

NOAA Fisheries Announces Temporary Rule Closing the Recreational Sector of Golden Tilefish, effective October 6, 2011  Read Fishery Bulletin

Testimony of Council member Duane Harris before the House Committee on Natural Resources regarding NOAA's Fishery Science. Click Here to read the testimony.

Recreational Measures for Snowy Grouper, Golden Tilefish, and Black Sea Bass. See Fishery Bulletin for details regarding Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures in place for these species.

Reminder: Circle Hook Requirements in South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Fishery Effective March 3, 2011 Read Fishery Bulletin

Note: Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures Set for 9 Snapper Grouper Species - Regulations Implemented January 31, 2011 and Include Deepwater Closure for Some Species - Read the Fishery Bulletin regarding implementation of Snapper Grouper Amendment 17B and the Final Rule that includes waypoints for the deepwater closure.

Note: Red snapper closure continues effective December 3, 2010.  Read Fishery Bulletin (posted 12/3/10)  Amendment 17A and Final Rule available in the FMP Library.

Reminder: Sale of snapper grouper harvested or possessed under bag limits is prohibited.  Final Rule implementing Snapper Grouper Amendment 15B published.  Read Fishery Bulletin reminder for more information.